Employment must be a critical piece of our efforts to end homelessness and any cuts to Employment Services means hundreds of people will be left without the resources they need to achieve stability, job readiness, and sustainable careers. Funding for these services represents only a small fraction of the budget—yet they offer a powerful return by helping individuals transition from crisis to independence through meaningful work.

Thank you to Multnomah County Commissioners Julia Brim-Edwards and Shannon Singleton who both said they would be proposing budget amendments that would restore Employment Services funding, according to this article from The Oregonian.

“Employment services are critical,” Singleton said. “People need opportunities to increase their income if they’re going to come off the (housing) subsidy.”

Worksystems’ Economic Opportunity Program: A Home for Everyone (AHFE EOP) is a proven model that offers individualized employment support for people on the homeless continuum of care. We partner with community-based organizations who provide population-specific expertise and help break down barriers for those who need it most: Central City Concern, Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization, Latino Network, POIC, and Our Just Future. Learn more at https://worksystems.org/economic-opportunity-program/.